Immigration & Visa Hub

The UK Skilled Worker Visa has replaced the Tier 2 (General) visa, offering a primary route for global professionals to work in the UK. To qualify, you must secure a job offer from a Home Office-approved sponsor.

Key Requirements: Applicants must meet a specific skill level (RQF 3 or above), demonstrate English proficiency, and be paid a minimum salary—usually £38,700 or the 'going rate' for the occupation, whichever is higher.

The Process: Once you receive a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from your employer, you can apply online. The visa can lead to settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain) after 5 years of continuous residence.

A Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is a document that a Canadian employer may need to get before hiring a foreign worker. A positive LMIA proves that there is a need for a foreign worker to fill the job.

How it Affects You: If your prospective employer requires an LMIA, they must apply for it through Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC). You cannot apply for a work permit until the employer provides you with the LMIA number.

Exemptions: Not all jobs require an LMIA. The International Mobility Program allows employers to hire temporary workers without an LMIA if there are reciprocal agreements or significant cultural/economic benefits to Canada.

The H-1B is a non-immigrant visa that allows US companies to employ foreign workers in specialty occupations that require theoretical or technical expertise. It is heavily utilized in the tech, engineering, and medical sectors.

The Lottery System: Due to high demand, there is an annual cap of 85,000 visas (including 20,000 for advanced degree holders). Employers must register candidates in March, and USCIS conducts a random lottery to select applications for processing.

Alternatives: If the H-1B cap is reached, candidates often explore the O-1 visa (individuals with extraordinary ability) or L-1 visa (intracompany transfers).

The Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) subclass 482 visa enables employers to address labor shortages by bringing in genuinely skilled workers where they cannot source an appropriately skilled Australian worker.

Streams Available: The visa is divided into the Short-Term stream (up to 2 years) and the Medium-Term stream (up to 4 years). Your occupation must be listed on the relevant skilled occupation list.

Path to PR: Workers under the Medium-Term stream may be eligible to transition to permanent residency via the Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) after working for their sponsor for three years.